100 DEADLY SKILLS

1. Develop a Survival Mindset: Preparation and Awareness are Key

Never assume it won't happen to you.

Situational awareness is crucial for survival in any environment. This involves constantly scanning your surroundings, identifying potential threats, and planning escape routes. Develop a proactive mindset that anticipates and prepares for various scenarios, from natural disasters to human-made crises.

Personal and cultural awareness are equally important. Present yourself in a way that doesn't attract unwanted attention, especially when traveling. Blend in with local customs and dress to reduce your visibility as a potential target. Adopt an offensive mindset when faced with immediate danger, matching or exceeding the aggression level of any threat you encounter.

2. Master Essential Everyday Carry (EDC) Items for Various Environments

Complacency is only identified after consequences are served.

EDC kit essentials should include:

• Multi-tool or fixed-blade knife
• Flashlight
• Paracord
• Fire starter
• Water purification method
• First-aid supplies
• Navigation tools (compass, map)

Tailor your EDC to your environment. For urban settings, include items like a portable phone charger and cash. In wilderness scenarios, prioritize shelter-building materials and additional survival gear. Remember, your EDC is useless if you don't have it with you – make carrying these items a habit.

3. Navigate and Find Resources in Extreme Environments

Mother Nature is full of unpleasant surprises.

Environmental adaptation is crucial for survival in extreme conditions:

• Arctic: Conserve energy, build insulated shelters, and melt snow for water.
• Desert: Travel at night, find shade during the day, and ration water carefully.
• Jungle: Use bamboo for multiple purposes, including water collection and shelter.
• Mountains: Understand altitude sickness, navigate using natural landmarks.

In each environment, learn to identify safe food and water sources. Practice primitive skills like fire-starting and shelter-building before you need them in a real emergency. Remember that your knowledge and adaptability are often more valuable than any gear you carry.

4. Defend Your Home and Secure Public Spaces

Security signs and perimeter illumination will keep most bad guys away.

Home security layers:

1. Community awareness (know your neighbors)
2. Exterior deterrents (lighting, visible cameras)
3. Strong entry points (reinforced doors, quality locks)
4. Interior preparedness (safe room, weapons)

For public spaces, know how to quickly barricade doors using everyday objects. In offices or schools, have an emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and meeting points. Practice these plans regularly. Remember that a prepared and coordinated group response is often more effective than individual actions in public crisis situations.

5. Identify and Respond to Public Safety Threats

Survival is a by-product of action. Be brave, swift, and violent.

Learn to recognize potential threats before they escalate:

• Concealed weapons: Look for asymmetrical clothing, unnatural body movements
• Suicide bombers: Heavy clothing in warm weather, nervous behavior, tunnel vision
• Active shooters: Immediately seek cover, identify exits, plan escape or counterattack

When faced with an immediate threat, your options are run, hide, or fight – in that order. If you must fight, do so with full commitment and aggression. Use improvised weapons and coordinate with others if possible. Remember that in many cases, a swift and decisive response can save lives, including your own.

6. Survive Natural Disasters and Environmental Hazards

Drop, cover, hold on.

Disaster-specific responses:

• Earthquakes: Seek cover under sturdy furniture, away from windows
• Tsunamis: Move to high ground immediately after feeling prolonged ground shaking
• Tornadoes: Go to the lowest, most central part of a building
• Floods: Avoid low-lying areas, never drive through floodwaters

Prepare disaster kits for your home and vehicle, including food, water, first-aid supplies, and communication devices. Stay informed about local emergency plans and evacuation routes. In any disaster, remaining calm and following established safety protocols greatly increases your chances of survival.

7. Adapt and Overcome in Hostage and Captivity Situations

The more human you are, the less likely your captor is to rape or kill you.

In long-term captivity, focus on both physical and mental survival:

• Establish rapport with captors, but don't lose sight of escape opportunities
• Maintain a routine to preserve mental health
• Stay physically active to maintain strength
• Collect information and potential tools for escape

If taken hostage in a public place (like a plane hijacking), work with other captives when possible. Be prepared to act decisively if an opportunity for escape or rescue arises. Remember that your goal is survival – comply with captors' demands when necessary, but always be alert for chances to improve your situation.

8. Signal for Help and Leave Traceable Evidence

Signals must contrast their background to be effective.

Signaling methods:

• Visual: SOS in contrasting materials, signal fires, reflective objects
• Auditory: Whistles, improvised noisemakers
• Electronic: Cell phone, emergency beacons

When signaling, think about who might be looking for you and how to best catch their attention. In wilderness scenarios, make signals visible from the air. In urban environments, focus on attracting the attention of nearby people or vehicles.

If held captive, discreetly leave DNA evidence (hair, blood, etc.) in hidden locations. This can help investigators track your movements and potentially lead to your rescue or your captors' prosecution.

9. Perform Emergency Medical Assessments and Interventions

You have three seasons to prepare for winter - get it done.

In mass casualty situations, use the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) method to quickly assess victims:

1. Check for responsiveness
2. Ensure clear airways
3. Verify breathing
4. Control severe bleeding

Prioritize treating those with life-threatening injuries who have the best chance of survival. Learn basic first-aid skills like CPR, wound treatment, and how to use a tourniquet. Remember that in emergency situations, your ability to quickly and effectively assess and treat injuries can mean the difference between life and death.

Last updated: October 1, 2024